Nara
November 2023
The city of deers and the Great Buddha
As part of our Japanese journey, we decided to dedicate one day to exploring Nara, the legendary city of deer and Buddhist serenity.
Our trip began in Kyoto, from where we took the Miyakoji Rapid, a special express train connecting Kyoto and Nara. This high-speed train provides a quick connection between the two historic cities of Japan, reaching Nara in less than 45 minutes. Interestingly, this route also features special tourist trains, such as the retro-style "Aoniyoshi Express," offering scenic views of the beautiful Kansai landscapes.
The journey itself was already a mini-adventure!
The city of deers
and the Great Buddha
As part of our Japanese journey, we decided
to dedicate one day to exploring Nara,
the legendary city of deer and Buddhist serenity. Our trip began in Kyoto, from where we took the Miyakoji Rapid, a special express train connecting Kyoto and Nara. This high-speed train provides a quick connection between
the two historic cities of Japan, reaching Nara in less than 45 minutes. Interestingly, this route also features special tourist trains, such as the retro-style "Aoniyoshi Express," offering scenic views of the beautiful Kansai landscapes. The journey itself was already a mini-adventure!
Temples and history
Upon arrival in Nara, we made our way to the temple complex, a testament to the deep spiritual history of the place. The most impressive site we visited was Tōdai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This monumental structure is home to the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statue, one of the largest in the world. The statue stands over 15 meters tall and weighs around 500 tons – its sheer size
is awe-inspiring, and the surrounding atmosphere radiates calm and spirituality.
Temples and history
Upon arrival in Nara, we made our way to
the temple complex, a testament to the deep spiritual history of the place. The most impressive site we visited was Tōdai-ji Temple,
a UNESCO World Heritage site. This monumental structure is home to the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statue, one of the largest in the world. The statue stands over 15 meters tall and weighs around 500 tons – its sheer size is awe-inspiring, and the surrounding atmosphere radiates calm and spirituality.
The inhabitants of Nara
One of the most famous symbols of Nara is its "residents" – the hundreds of wild deer that roam freely through the city’s parks
and streets. In Nara, the deer are considered sacred animals, believed to be messengers of the gods according to legend. In Nara Park, we were not only able to watch the deer move gracefully among the tourists, but also feed them. Throughout the park, you can buy special crackers for the deer (shika senbei), which these friendly animals accept with gratitude. Interestingly, the deer in Nara have learned to bow politely when asking for food – a charming behavior that attracts tourists from all over the world. Feeding these remarkable creatures was a unique experience, and the close contact with them allowed us to feel a harmony with nature, something
not often found in larger cities.
The inhabitants of Nara
One of the most famous symbols of Nara is its "residents" – the hundreds of wild deer that roam freely through the city’s parks and streets.
In Nara, the deer are considered sacred animals, believed to be messengers of the gods according to legend. In Nara Park, we were not only able to watch the deer move gracefully among the tourists, but also feed them. Throughout the park, you can buy special crackers for the deer (shika senbei), which these friendly animals accept with gratitude. Interestingly, the deer in Nara have learned
to bow politely when asking for food –
a charming behavior that attracts tourists from all over the world. Feeding these remarkable creatures was a unique experience, and the close contact with them allowed us to feel
a harmony with nature, something not often found in larger cities.
Lessons learned
Nara reminded me of the importance of harmony between humanity, nature and spirituality. In work, we often forget about simplicity
and silence – we strive for efficiency, neglecting the fact that users sometimes need peace and space. This city taught me that it's sometimes worthwhile to slow down, create something more intuitive and harmonious, which will be perceived as natural and calming. Sometimes less is more, and Nara is the perfect example of that.
Lessons learned
Nara reminded me of the importance of harmony between humanity, nature
and spirituality. In work, we often forget about simplicity and silence – we strive for efficiency, neglecting the fact that users sometimes need peace and space. This city taught me that it's sometimes worthwhile to slow down, create something more intuitive and harmonious, which will be perceived as natural and calming. Sometimes less is more, and Nara is the perfect example of that.